"He's All Yours"

We sat in a waiting room for the adoption hearing on Wednesday for what seemed like forever.  There  were a collection of people – mother’s that had given up their children, relatives of children in orphanages, social workers and around 10 other couples to gain approval for adoption much like us.  They started off calling all of the couples – everyone but us.  Then they called all of the family members and mothers.  We just sat there.  We were the last ones in the waiting room – Staci, Me, our two Social workers from AAI and Sofani.  Finally we were called into the court room to answer a series of questions and were given approval to make Sofani our fourth child.  At that moment the Judge signed the documents making it official. The Judge said, “He’s all yours.”  We were thrilled.  Months of anxiety finally resulted in the desired outcome.  He’s all ours.

We were incredibly blessed to be able to spend 3 full days with our new son.

He is the sweetest boy.   He latched onto me as soon as we met and we were virtually inseparable for three days.  It was so much fun to watch him bond with Staci, too.  She loves him as much as I do. 

Let me tell you a little bit about Sofani. 

He’s incredibly sweet.  He is the oldest kid of the 23 at “Jane’s” house (the transition home that he’s been living in for the past 2 months as part of the adoption process).  Nearly all of the children are infants.  He sleeps on a top bunk with his belongings proudly displayed, his clothes neatly folded at the foot of his bed.  He watches over the little ones at the orphanage and cares for them like they’re his family. 

We were in the market with him buying some souvenirs and gifts to take home on Thursday afternoon.  We had purchased bracelets for Avery and Anna the night before and we wanted Sofani to pick up a couple things for him to remember our visit by until we returned to pick him up in several weeks after our Embassy appointment (passport, visa, etc.).  He began shopping for Jackson.  The kid that had everything packed for 3 days with us in a plastic bag was shopping for his brother back in the states.  Unbelievable.

We were eating outside yesterday at our hotel and Staci had a fly land in her chicken salad.  She instinctively pushed her plate away as she watched the fly swim around in her salad for a few seconds.  Sofani immediately pushed his plate in front of her so that she would still have something to eat. 

He loves music and dancing.  We had dinner at our hotel and Sofani made his way over to a synthesizer in the corner of the room.  He began playing.  Not just playing but entertaining the room.  Making up songs and singing like he was on stage.  The staff at the hotel all loved him, so no one was about to make him stop.  Everyone just laughs.  His ever present smile is so disarming. It makes you melt.

We went outside the hotel to sit in the courtyard.  Someone was dejaying and playing Ethiopian music.  Sofani quickly sought them out, demanded that they play some Tigrenian music (his region of Ethiopia). He grabbed Staci and I and began showing us dance moves and singing the songs.  He laughed at us and we encouraged him to keep going.  He is full of personality.  He’s going to be very popular in Selma.

He’s smart.  Sofani figured our Staci’s iphone, camera and computer in minutes.  He gained confidence speaking English by the hour.  He had English in his school in Mikelle and can read it well considering it’s not his primary language.  He understands what we’re talking about and was able to have conversations with us, albeit a bit choppy, by the time we left on Thursday.  Learning English isn’t going to be a problem. 

We had such an amazing three days with Sofani.  We are filled with joy and know more than ever that this is God’s plan for our family.   I will be returning in a month or so to attend the Embassy appointment and take him home with us once and for all.  Leaving him Thursday night at the airport was so hard.  We cried all the way through check-in (thinking about it still makes me cry as I write this).  Sofani’s big smile turned to tears as he hugged and kissed Staci and me.  Walking away was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.  I reminded Sofani – and I keep trying to remind myself – “I’ll be back as soon as I am able.  As soon as the paperwork is processed, I’ll be on the first plane to Addis to get you.”

There are so many stories to tell about our time in Ethiopia – definitely more entries to write.  First, I have to thank Staci – my partner on this journey.  Her support and willingness to make Sofani a part of our family go beyond words for me.  She is a wonderful woman and this entire process has pulled us closer together.  God has rewarded our marriage.  This been one of the best weeks of our lives.  I have to thank all of the friends and family that have helped with Avery, Jackson and Anna while we’ve been away.  We missed Avery’s “Terrific Kid” award ceremony for Selma Elementary and her 5^th grade graduation.  Staci and I were so encouraged to call home and talk with the kids.  They all “get it.”  They know that we had to leave this week to attend court and to make it official.  They were fired up to hear Sofani’s voice.  We are blessed to have such wonderful parents, grandparents and friends.  We also appreciate the comments on Facebook.  When you’re half a world away, it is comforting to hear from folks back home – rooting us on and sharing with us in this love story.